Five more B.C. Conservatives quit caucus under Findlay's leadership; party approval ratings plummet

Two more B.C. Conservative MLAs left the caucus Wednesday, joining a growing exodus from the party under leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay. Teresa Wat, who represents Richmond-Bridgeport, and Brennan Day from Courtenay-Comox both announced their departures, citing a toxic leadership environment.

Wat said her decision came after Findlay accused her of being affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party — an assertion Wat firmly rejected. "Chinese Canadians should not have their loyalty to Canada questioned because of their ethnicity, their heritage, their language, or the communication platforms such as WeChat," Wat said. The accusation has caused damage to her reputation and mental health, she added.

Findlay responded by saying she had already apologized to Wat in a private conversation and had a public statement prepared. She characterized the departures as a betrayal to volunteers, campaign workers, and voters.

Wat's exit comes after Peter Milobar (Kamloops Central), Ian Paton (Delta South), and Rosalyn Bird (Prince George–Valemount) had already left the party. Findlay also fired the BC Conservative caucus's director of operations Wednesday.

The departures and internal turmoil signal deepening trouble for the party. "Usually this is the time where MLAs go back to their ridings, talk to people and try to establish an emotional connection and paint themselves as a government in waiting," said Mario Canseco, president of Research Co. "This isn't what happened with Kerry-Lynne Findlay over the summer, and with MLAs leaving the caucus, certainly shows they do not believe she can lead them to victory."